margatoxin


margatoxin

A peptide toxin in the venom of the Central American bark scorpion (Centruroides margaritatus) which selectively inhibits Kv1.3 voltage-dependant potassium channels. It blocks mitogen-induced proliferation and IL-2 and IFN-gamma secretion. It is 100-fold more effective at preventing the most common cause of bypass graft failure—neointimal hyperplasia, a natural response of blood vessels to injury—than any other known compound, a finding which may have future therapeutic potential.